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(Howard, SD) – Rivers Edge Bank and the late Jim Burg were honored August 6 with the Horizon Health Foundation’s Circle of Care Philanthropy Awards.
By establishing the “Circle of Care” awards Horizon Health and the Horizon Health Foundation recognize teams and individuals embodying Horizon’s values and mission to ensure our circle remains connected and all patients have access to seamless, quality care.
"Philanthropy awards are given to celebrate the leadership of individuals and organizations who advance innovative solutions and demonstrate meaningful progress in our communities, through the Foundation. These awards recognize those who give, advocate, and volunteer for positive change in rural healthcare,” Tracy Pardy, Executive Director of the Horizon Health Foundation stated. "We sincerely thank Rivers Edge Bank and the late Jim Burg for their generous philanthropic investments in rural health care. Their commitment to enhancing health services in underserved communities is invaluable. By supporting initiatives that improve access to care they are making a profound difference in the lives of individuals and families in rural areas. Their investments not only address immediate health needs but also foster long-term community well-being and resilience. Together, we are building a healthier future for all."
The Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation Award was presented to Rivers Edge Bank for outstanding commitment to Horizon initiatives through financial support and encouraging others to take leadership roles toward philanthropy and community involvement.
Rivers Edge Bank is a community bank in the truest sense. Bank leaders spend time considering the economic well-being of the communities they serve. They believe focusing on the communities in which they live, and work is the key to financial success.
Horizon Health Foundation has a long-standing partnership with the bank starting in 2016 when the Foundation was incorporated with supporting cancer care, sponsoring their events, and most recently with the $100,000 gift the bank pledged in 2023 to support the Rooted in Rural Program, a workforce development initiative to help with recruitment and retention of clinicians.
The bank has a mantra that is considered sacred to its mission and strategy. It states: “If you row someone across the river, you will get there yourself.” By fostering their customers’ and communities’ success, the bank will also share in the reward. This mantra is the basis of the bank name because the place where this collaborative relationship starts is at the river’s edge, which, cleverly, is also called a bank.
Rivers Edge Bank has locations in Bridgewater, Howard, Marion, and Parker, South Dakota, and in Hawarden, Iowa. Across the 5 locations in South Dakota and Iowa, the Rivers Edge team consists of approximately 35 employees ready to assist their customers’ financial needs. Some locations have been part of their communities for more than 100 years.
The Outstanding Philanthropist Award was presented to the family of Jim Burg posthumously. Jim was a longtime member of the Foundation board and lifelong public servant to South Dakota.
Jim’s commitment to Horizon began in May 2016 as he was the second individual to respond to the organization’s first-ever direct mail appeal to support rural patient care.
He continued with his support over the years and in 2018 he joined the Horizon Health Foundation Board. His leadership and passion for rural patient care helped grow the organization’s reach to support over 5,000 patients in only five years.
He established the James and Bernice Burg Family Endowment in 2021, which helps ensure rural South Dakota Communities continue to have access to vital health care services. Jim retired from the board in March 2024 due to his health.
Jim was selected as Horizon Health Care’s 2024 Philanthropist of the Year. With Jim’s health declining, his family and the Foundation planned to present the award and honor Jim’s contributions to the health center mission at a surprise party April 29th, however he passed the week prior.
“We are truly blessed to have known Jim. His legacy of leadership, mentorship, and friendship will continue to live on as part of our mission to inspire and empower our patients by providing funding for accessible and affordable healthcare for all, Pardy said.
Burg, a Jerauld County rancher, was a graduate of South Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in animal science. He co-owned Firesteel Ranch near Wessington Springs for 50 years.
Rivers Edge Bank joins Jans Corporation, 2023 and Alliance Communications, 2022 as past Philanthropic Corporations of the Year and the late Jim Burg joins Dr. Tom and Kathy Dean, 2023, and Gary and Deb McKellips, 2022 as Philanthropists of the Year.
About Horizon Health Foundation
The Horizon Health Foundation was established in 2016 to ensure rural health care access to those in need and provide funding for Horizon Health. Horizon Health Foundation, a tax-exempt, non-profit corporation, seeks through responsible activities to encourage and derive sustaining gift support from current and former patients and interested friends, including corporate entities. The Horizon Health Foundation, operating in coordination with Horizon Health, is the duly designated fundraising arm for Horizon Health. In the broadest sense, the purpose of the Foundation is to create an awareness of the financial needs of Horizon Health, which are not provided by patient charges and to systematically implement plans by which dollar needs can be met. For information about supporting our mission go to https://horizonhealthfoundation.com/